It sounds like the Chicago Bears will be without one of their locker room leaders and key offensive pieces for the rest of the season.

Tight end Cole Kmet went down with a knee injury in the team's 30-24 win over the New England Patriots on Thursday night, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said this morning that the outlook for the star TE doesn't look good.

There's no sugarcoating it; Kmet being sidelined for the rest of the season would be a massive blow to Chicago's offense. He's played 62% of the snaps for Chicago's offense thus far. An extended absence could thrust third-round pick Sam Roush (who's seen 22% of the action in 13 personnel) into the lineup more often.

However, with Roush struggling mightily to begin his rookie season, the team could also look to free agency to fill the void. Who would be their best options if they go that route?

Albert Okwuegbunam

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam Jr.…